Holidays: Great for road trips, not so great for forgotten insurance details
Before you hit the road, make sure your holiday habits aren’t putting your insurance at risk.
Summer holidays are synonymous with road trips, sunshine and a well-earned break. But while many South Africans are counting the days until they hit the road, few stop to consider how their “holiday habits” could affect their insurance cover.
“People are more relaxed over the holidays, which is entirely the point. But this also means they sometimes take risks or forget small details that can have big consequences for their insurance cover,” said Wynand van Vuuren, a client experience partner at King Price Insurance.
Before you switch on your out-of-office, here’s what to keep in mind:
Lending out your car
Handing your keys to a friend or family member may seem harmless, but it’s vital to check who is covered to drive your car.
“Your insurance is based on the regular driver you’ve declared. If another driver has an accident in your car, especially if they’re under 25, it could affect your claim or excess amount. If this person doesn’t have a valid driver’s licence, your insurer might reject your claim outright,” Van Vuuren added.
Leaving your home unattended
Most insurers limit how many consecutive days a property can be left unoccupied before cover conditions change.
If you’re planning a long break, check this clause first.
It’s equally important to take sensible precautions: Lock all doors, windows and gates; test your alarm; ask someone trustworthy to keep an eye on your property and secure your valuables. High-value items, such as solar panels, gate motors and gas bottles, are frequently targeted by thieves, so take extra care.
Skipping car maintenance
The open road is a key part of most SA holidays, but neglecting basic car checks can cost you far more than mechanical repairs.
“If poor maintenance is found to be a contributing factor to an accident, your claim could be partially or fully rejected,” Van Vuuren warned.
Check tyre tread, windscreen wipers, brakes and lights, fix any chips or cracks in the windscreen, and top up all fluids before you head out.
Ignoring the fine print
Holiday excitement often means admin gets pushed aside, but understanding your policy can make all the difference.
“Many people assume they’ll automatically get a rental car, towing, roadside assistance, or emergency medical transport after an accident, but not all policies include these options and, if they do, there might be specific procedures to follow,” said Van Vuuren.
“The fine print matters, especially when you’re far from home.”
A quick run-through of your cover with your insurer can ensure your car, home, belongings and travel essentials are all correctly insured.
Driving recklessly or under the influence
Insurers are unlikely to pay a claim if a driver’s blood alcohol level exceeds the legal limit. If you’re caught driving drunk, you’re not only breaking the law and endangering others, you’re also at risk of voiding your cover. The same applies to speeding or reckless driving.
Ultimately, holidays should mean freedom, not frustration. A bit of preparation can be the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful claim. Check the details, double-check your locks, then switch off knowing you’ve done what you can to protect what matters.
“Peace of mind isn’t something you pack. It’s something you prepare for. When your planning and insurance are in order, the only thing you’ll need to worry about is packing the sunscreen,” ends Van Vuuren.
